Town News

Beaufort Police Department Receives Narcan Kits

Post Date:11/20/2017

Nov. 11, 2017

For Immediate Release

BEAUFORT - The Beaufort Police Department has now joined the ranks of other police departments across the country trained to administer Nasal Naloxone (also known as Narcan) in an effort to decrease deaths from opiate overdoses. All sworn officers of the Department have recently been trained and have been issued Naloxone (Narcan) kits. Under the new policy, officers who have completed the training can administer Naloxone (Narcan) to someone who has overdosed on opioids and is in respiratory distress. Officers are trained to deliver the drug through the nostrils using an atomizer attachment. Officers are required to ensure scene safety for themselves, bystanders, and responding EMS personnel prior to administering the drug and will monitor the individual until Beaufort Fire and EMS personnel arrive.

“While this is not a long-term solution to the opioid epidemic we are facing, this is another step we can take in fulfilling our mission to serve the citizens of Beaufort,” said Chief Burdette. He added, “All of my officers are trained first responders and assist with medical emergencies when available. These kits, along with the AED’s we will be receiving, can provide the tools that can save a life when seconds count.”

This initial supply of Naloxone (Narcan) kits was funded through a private donation. Chief Burdette advised additional supplies will be funded as a supply item in the Department’s operating budget. The Beaufort Police Department was also recently awarded a grant for over $20,000 from the Governor’s Crime Commission to equip each vehicle in the Patrol Division with Automatic External Defibrillators (AED’s).